Published: August 15, 2025
Today, three chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
Noon.
Dealing with the undead gathered using the terrain and the explosion noise took a fair amount of time, but it was successfully completed. We stepped into the ghost town as planned.
The ghost town, where the undead near the gate had been wiped out since morning, was quiet and filled with a gloomy atmosphere—truly a "ghost town." However, this was probably temporary; undead would surely continue to emerge from deeper within the town at night. From here, the operation moved to the second phase: securing the base.
The town’s structure was circular layers centered around a tower. Simple rectangular containment facilities were built in rows on the terraced, bowl-shaped land. Perhaps there had been extensions or repairs later on? Some irregular parts made it look somewhat like a Baumkuchen cake with gaps.
Connecting various parts of the town were narrow roads that formed circles like the buildings, and a long central staircase running from the gate to the tower. The circular containment areas also served as walls to prevent prisoners from escaping, making it difficult to climb over with the high steps. At least zombies and skeletons wouldn’t manage it.
So first, we sealed off the path leading to the central staircase with the increased number of grave slimes from the morning’s operation. We checked inside the nearest building from the stairs; if no enemies were inside, we secured it using holy space. If any remained, we eliminated them and secured the building.
Fortunately, the containment facilities were simple in structure, making the sealing and inspection work smooth. After securing about five buildings, we received a message from the goblins we had assigned the tasks to.
“Everyone, the preparations for the experiment seem to be almost complete.”
“In that case, let’s make this building the last one for today. It’s just about lunch time anyway.”
“It’s the sixth building, three on each side—nice and tidy. Let’s finish early.”
“Anytime is fine.”
“All right, here we go: ‘Flash Grenade.’”
There must have been a small hole where a window once was. We threw a Light Ball about the size of a baseball into it, then took cover behind the building while focusing on mana sensing. At the next moment,
“Gya!”
“Eek!!”
Almost simultaneously with the short scream from the building, a strong light burst out. This was a magic designed like a flash grenade to wipe out undead hiding inside. However, a few wraiths, quick on their feet, escaped through the walls.
“Light Ball!”
Anticipating that, Miss Remily accurately shot them down. Next, Mr. Seaver and Lord Reinbach entered the building and confirmed no undead remained inside. Finally, to prevent re-occupation, we used holy space again to finish the operation.
“Good work.”
“Ryoma-chan, good job too.”
“Once we’ve eaten lunch, keep the experiments modest. The real operation starts at night—it’s best to take a nap to prepare.”
We had defeated countless undead since morning, but that was only preparation for the night, when undead activity would peak. Our somewhat forceful plan was to use the newly developed magic within the ghost town to exorcise them all at once.
We would always maintain a certain level of safety and retreat to yesterday's base if things got dangerous, but it was certain we’d be out late. As Mr. Seaver said, it was better to take some rest.
Thinking about this, I returned to the building closest to the town entrance. There, Mr. Sebas was setting up tables and chairs and arranging dishes. Since it was indoors, he was likely preparing a proper meal.
“Welcome back. Lunch is being prepared, so please wait a little longer.”
“Mr. Sebas, good work. How did the work go here?”
“The goblins worked well. They seemed used to it, so I don’t expect any issues with the experiment. I don’t understand everything they say, but they seemed happier and more enthusiastic farming than when fighting.”